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The NASCAR Cup Series is one of the most popular and exciting racing series in the world. Each year, the series visits a number of different tracks across the United States, offering fans the chance to witness high-speed racing at its best. One of the most iconic stops on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar is the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware. In this post, we will explore the history of the NASCAR Cup Series at Dover, the track itself, and some of the most memorable moments from this exciting race.
SUNDAY, 30 APRIL 2023
TIME: 2:00 PM ET
The History of NASCAR Cup Series at Dover
The NASCAR Cup Series has been racing at the Dover International Speedway since 1969. The track was built in 1969 and is a one-mile concrete oval. It was originally known as the Dover Downs International Speedway and was designed to be a high-banked, fast track that would provide an exciting and challenging racing experience.
Over the years, the Dover International Speedway has become known as one of the most important races on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. It is one of only a few tracks on the circuit that is entirely made of concrete, which makes it unique and challenging for drivers. The track also features a high-banked turn that is known as the “Monster Mile,” which adds to the excitement and challenge of racing at Dover.
The Track at Dover
The Dover International Speedway is a unique and challenging track that offers drivers a thrilling and exciting racing experience. The track is one mile long and is entirely made of concrete, which provides a consistent racing surface and a high level of grip.
The high-banked turn at Dover, known as the “Monster Mile,” is one of the most challenging aspects of the track. The turn has a 24-degree banking angle, which creates high speeds and intense G-forces for the drivers. This puts a tremendous amount of strain on the drivers’ bodies and requires intense physical and mental preparation.
In addition to the high-banked turn, the Dover International Speedway also features a long straightaway that allows drivers to reach high speeds. This makes passing and drafting essential for success at Dover, as drivers must work together to gain speed and maintain position on the track.
Memorable Moments from Dover
The Dover International Speedway is home to some of the most iconic moments in NASCAR Cup Series history. Here are just a few of the most memorable moments from this exciting race:
- 2001 MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400: In this race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made a thrilling last-lap pass to win the race. This was Earnhardt’s first win at Dover and remains one of the most exciting finishes in NASCAR Cup Series history.
- 2016 AAA 400 Drive for Autism: In this race, Martin Truex Jr. dominated, leading for 392 of the 400 laps. This was the most dominant performance in NASCAR Cup Series history at Dover and solidified Truex Jr.’s position as one of the best drivers in the sport.
- 2018 Gander Outdoors 400: In this race, Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin battled it out in the final laps, with Elliott ultimately taking the checkered flag. This win was Elliott’s second career win in the NASCAR Cup Series and solidified his position as one of the sport’s rising stars.
- 2019 Drydene 400: In this race, Kyle Larson dominated, leading for 154 of the 400 laps. Larson’s win at Dover was his first win of the season and came after a string of disappointing finishes. This win helped to revitalize Larson’s season and put him in contention for the championship.
Conclusion
The NASCAR Cup Series at Dover International Speedway is one of the most exciting and iconic races in the sport.
